Two poachers die in shootout with rangers
The field staff reportedly encountered three armed suspects inside the park during the full moon on the evening of Friday, 6 March and alerted the security nerve centre in the HiP, providing details of the number of persons, grid reference and direction of the incursion
AFTER much speculation around the closely guarded incident, the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Nomusa Dube-Ncube confirmed on Sunday the death of two poachers in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP).
The field staff reportedly encountered three armed suspects inside the park during the full moon on the evening of Friday, 6 March and alerted the security nerve centre in the HiP, providing details of the number of persons, grid reference and direction of the incursion.
A reaction unit was immediately briefed and dispatched and the suspects were located and challenged.
ALSO READ: Ezemvelo allays fears of elephant herd cull
The reaction unit defended themselves against the poachers, resulting in the fatal shooting of the two suspects.
A high calibre hunting rifle and knives – commonly used to remove rhino horns – were recovered at the scene by the South African Police Service.
One of those killed is a notorious, high-level rhino poaching suspect who was charged for the illegal possession of rhino horn in 2017.
He has also been suspected of not only being directly responsible for a number of rhino deaths, but also coordinating other Mpumalanga poaching groups to target HiP.
To-date 28 rhinos have been killed this year alone in HiP.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer